<snip>

Seb looked taken-aback for a brief moment at Vanessa’s approachable demeanour, lowering his salute tentatively to shake her hand. He found her smile infectious, immediately abandoning the ‘blank slate’ expression he was trying to affect when he entered the room. Feeling dryness in his throat, no doubt due to nerves, he cleared his throat before speaking.

“Thank you, Ma’am- Vanessa, sorry. Alpine sparkling water, please.” Seb took a seat on the sofa, perched near the edge and sat stiffly upright. Looking around the room, he took in Vanessa’s tasteful interior décor, tilting his head slightly as he inspected the painting on the wall. Perhaps I should look at some decoration for my own quarters.

OOC: Thanks! The character is still very much a WIP despite the current length of his bio. I’m looking forward to it!

Cadet Sebastien ‘Seb’ Petrov, Security.

She nodded and walked to the food slot beside her desk across the room, returning a moment later with his request, and a steaming mug of hot chocolate for herself. She sat after handing his over, and blew across the top of her drink.

“This is a very informal session,” she began, then sipped her chocolate. “It’s more for me to get to know you and how we can help you succeed during your time aboard the Challenger. I’ve read your file, but that’s mostly data points.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Let’s talk about Seb. What do you like to do for fun?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS

Seb accepted the glass of sparkling water, taking a sip while Vanessa explained the purpose of the meeting. She must see I’m nervous… He nodded along, pausing for a moment after she asked her first question. What do I do for fun? That’s not what I was expecting.

“For fun… Well I… I’ve always enjoyed sports, there’re few better feelings for me than taking an opponent to the mat or… Winning a bout on the piste. Followed up by a bit of banter over a beer while we nurse our bruises. That’s how I made most of my friends at the Academy, I think.” He smirked at the thought, sliding back into a more comfortable posture on the sofa.

“Speaking of which… You don’t happen to know any fencers on the Challenger, do you? I was hoping to find a sparring partner.”

Cadet Sebastien ‘Seb’ Petrov, Security.

Vanessa laughed and sat back, looking at the ceiling. “No… no I cannot. Wait. NE Sverdson I think does.” She looked back at Seb. “He’s an engineering officer, works alpha shift, so you might be able to schedule something with him.”

She took another sip of her cocoa. “So - wrestling, I presume? - and fencing. Solo events, even if they earned you some friends,” she added with a smile. “How do you work in a team, or a group? Is there a specific role you find yourself taking in those situations?”

Lt. Cmdr. Lofton - CNS